WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) today applauded the U.S. Department of Education’s award of a Federal TRIO programs grant to The Renaissance Education Group, Incorporated in Durham, North Carolina. The $125,000 grant will assist low-income students, disadvantaged youth, and first generation college students in North Carolina by strengthening the training of TRIO educators in the state.
“A strong educational foundation is becoming increasingly important for North Carolinians to compete in today’s global economy. TRIO programs are absolutely essential to enable many low-income North Carolinians and first generation college students to receive a quality education and prepare to enter the workforce,” said Butterfield.
The Renaissance Education Group fills an important role in the Durham community by providing educational programs and services to low-income communities, disadvantaged youth, and other organizations who serve similar constituents. Incorporated in 2006, the Renaissance Education Group has promoted the principles of the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920’s and 1930’s which was a period of economic and community growth for low-income and minority communities in New York City. The TRIO grant will enable the Renaissance Education Group to provide additional support and training to North Carolinians for the next two years.
“This grant will enrich the entire Durham region and strengthen educational outcomes for North Carolinians who most need assistance, and I thank Education Secretary Arne Duncan for recognizing this opportunity and awarding this grant,” said Butterfield.
Congressman Butterfield has been a longtime supporter of TRIO programs which serve almost 800,000 students and adults across the country. TRIO programs can be found throughout North Carolina’s First Congressional District at institutions of higher learning and non-profit organizations. In April, Butterfield sent a letter to the House Committee on Appropriations requesting an increase in TRIO funding in 2015.